PAST PROJECTS, 2015-2016

The project focused on initial steps toward the restoration of the Waikākahi Stream whilst establishing a restoration plan for the entire catchment to be carried out over the next five years. The stream is eight kilometres long, with the final two kilometres (land owned by Te Runanga o Ngati Apa) passing through pine plantation forestry before entering the sea. Ngāti Apa collaborated with the forestry company (i.e. Ernslaw One Ltd) to focus on weed eradication, riparian planting, and fish passage restoration within the two kilometre seaward portion. Ngāti Apa worked alongside their Tamariki Taiao Program involving 5 to 12-year-old tamariki of Ngā Wairiki / Ngāti Apa in fun days planting native species, exploring native flora and fauna, and generally having fun in the natural environs within Ngāti Apa’s rohe. This program had already resulted in planting 1000 pingao & spinifex plants along the dunes at the mouth of the Waikākahi Stream. Ngāti Apa also worked with Horizons Regional Council and DOC to compile existing data of catchment condition and prioritise actions to feed into the restoration plan including initial mechanisms for monitoring conditions moving forward.
LINK Restoration Plan – Waikākahi Stream